At workshop in Yaounde: Over 40 youth leaders urged to be positive change catalyst.

The training which kicked off in Yaounde, on Wednesday, March 11, is holding under the theme: “Youth participation in local governance”. Officials said the REPAIR initiative is an annual youth peace and democracy series funded by the National Endowment for Democracy, NED.

The three-day training intends to deepen young people's knowledge about peace and democracy while fostering a culture of active youth participation and leadership. 

The 11th edition is hosting 40 youth leaders from the ten regions of the country. Participants will exchange and build knowledge, skills, and values needed in advancing peace and democracy work.

Through the training, participants will acquire increased understanding on the legal, institutional, theoretical and conceptual frameworks, decentralisation and local governance, leadership, as well as get practical steps on how to actively contribute to community welfare and development.

The Executive Director of NewSETA encouraged the participants to use the opportunity not only to acquire knowledge but also to build networks, partnerships, and friendships that will strengthen their work long after the training. 

“The future of our country depends on citizens who are informed, engaged, and committed to the common good. I strongly believe that each one of you has the potential to become a catalyst for positive change in your community,” Ndzi said.

He challenged participants to use the training to take the commitment to “leadership, service, and to transformation”.

“I pray that the journey that you begin today with REPAIR inspires you to translate these declarations into concrete action in your communities,” he said.  

The Executive Director further disclosed that young people aged 15 and 35, who constitute about 63% of Cameroon’s total population, face structural limitations and stereotypes which impact their participation in the political process, either as voters, as candidates, or as strategic partners with local elected officials.

He said the theme of the training is timely and strategic as Cameroon is currently navigating a very important democratic moment with upcoming municipal and legislative elections.

“While these elections represent opportunities for strengthening democratic governance, it also represents a major entry point for us young people to integrate as champions of inclusive local governance in our beloved country, and as young people, we constitute a critical local workforce for our villages and our municipalities,” Ndzi said. 

He noted that over the years, the REPAIR series has demonstrated sustained growth and increasing national relevance, consolidating its position as a leading youth leadership and civic engagement program in the country. 

“Demand for participation has consistently exceeded, in terms of programme reach and outcome, the REPAIR series has welcomed over 400 participants from across Cameroon, and as well as young leaders from several African countries,” he noted.

He stated that the organisation wants young people to step “beyond this space and begin to make a difference”.

“Knowledge is powerful, but it is only powerful when it's being put into practice. Don't take this knowledge and keep it in this room. I want us to make the most of the knowledge that we get here, let it make a difference in our communities,” he said.

Alumnus encourages participants 

Speaking to the participants, the President of the 10th edition of REPAIR, Tatah Hanson, reminded the participants of the talents they each have brought to the cohort, urging them to unite and make a change in the country.

“…you are all great as individuals, but you'll be greater as collective systems,” he said, noting that most persons are achieving less from their initiatives because they are doing it alone. 

“CEO is not just a title; it should be impact. Don’t just go for the titles…we want to see impact. I therefore challenge you to merge some of those your different organisations and act as one,” he said.  

Edition to preserve peace

The representative of the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education, Biloa Antoine Bertrand, said the 11th edition concretises the idea that governing locally is building the future as well as efforts to maintain and preserve peace and living together nationwide.

Biloa said the decentralisation desired by the Head of State and consecrated by the General Code on Local Development cannot be sufficient without the civic energy of the young people. 

“The initiative is therefore appropriate and timely for an ambitious youth to contribute their stone to national construction,” Biloa said.

The article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3730 of Friday March 13, 2026